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Tag: The Corinthian

30 years of brides. 30 years of grooms. 30 years of “I said, ‘Yes!'” and “It was the best night of my life!” 30 years of first looks, first dances, first newlywed kisses. 30 years of fairytale gowns and joyful tears and dreams come true. The thing about being Houston’s longest published wedding magazine is that while weddings may be once-in-a-lifetime, we get to live and breathe weddings, and the joy they bring, day in and day out, year after year. And on Sept. 21, we celebrated that gift, and the incredible vendors and wedding experts who make it possible, with a magnificent gala at Corinthian – Houston.

Here, we share a glimpse at the fun and fabulousness of our 30th Anniversary Gala and Client Appreciation Party. Like many Houston events, our gala was affected by Hurricane Harvey’s wrath. With a sudden city power outage affecting our original host venue, The Ballroom at Bayou Place, our team of professionals had 24 hours to move this 300-person formal event to the Corinthian-Houston. We were so impressed with the level of ingenuity and unflappable professionalism each partner exhibited. Without missing a beat, they provided gorgeous decor, delicious food, a full bar and incredible music, creating a night to remember.

Guests were treated to a surprise onstage appearance by Weddings in Houston president Vik Day… our resident business man by day, rock star by night.

As always, it was a wonderful experience getting to spend quality time with our friends, partners and associates. Thank you to all of our guests for making it a truly memorable evening. We appreciate you and could not be where we are without YOU!

We know they rock. And some of you, who’ve had the pleasure of working with these super-talented folks on your weddings, know they rock. And now, the event industry’s premier professional organization, NACE (National Association of Catering & Events), has confirmed it.

We’re thrilled to offer up our heartiest congratulations to two amazing wedding stylists and longtime Weddings in Houston partners: Kat Creech Events and A Day To Remember!!

A Day To Remember took home two major honors at this past week’s NACE Experience conference:

Best Team Event under $50,00, for the wedding of Jerry and Alex, featured in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Weddings in Houston, and right HERE.

Kat Creech Events, meanwhile, received the following prestigious awards:

Best Wedding of the Year over $100,000 and Best Team Event over $100,000, both for the spectacular wedding of Allie and Kyle, featured in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Weddings in Houston (see a trend here??).

Make sure to check out our full coverage of these awesome events and styled shoot for more gorgeous pix, and a full list of superb Weddings in Houston clients involved in each!

And join us in wishing congrats to the Houston chapter of NACE, which also won big at this year’s conference, with honors for Chapter of the Year (over 100 members), and Program of the Year, for the NACE Houston Chapter’s awesome “Wedding Trends 2016” industry event!!

With their modern tech, high-end amenities and lavish interiors, Houston’s historic venues might look vintage, but they definitely feel brand new. Scroll with us, as we uncover their storied pasts, and show you how you can make your ownhistory with a wedding at one of the city’s landmark wedding venues.

History buffs will love that their first dance, first kiss and first forays into married life take place in a century-old venue that was home to so many firsts for their city and state.

“Our history is one of the big draws of our venue,” says Paula Foreman, director of sales for the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice. “It was the first public room in Houston with air conditioning, it had the first escalator, it was the original site of the Texas capitol…anything and everything that has happened in Houston has happened at The Rice!”

The repeating arched windows, 35-foot-high ceilings, and beautifully restored murals from 1913 truly take guests back to the turn of the 20th century. One can immediately imagine an opulent Art Deco-themed celebration or a classically elegant ceremony at this one-of-a-kind venue.

The Corinthian

Photo: J. Cogliandro Photography

A few blocks away, on the corner of Main and Franklin streets in downtown Houston, sits yet another historic gem: The Corinthian. The venue has taken on quite a different role from when it was originally built more than 100 years ago, then serving as the home of First National Bank, and standing as one of the tallest buildings in the state—a skyscraper of its day!

Today the neoclassical venue is known for its original colonnade of 24 Corinthian columns, which have framed some of the most elaborate events the city has ever hosted. “The stunning and timeless architecture allows florists and decorators to suspend exquisite chandeliers, floral accents and draping to highlight the original plaster ceiling in the Grand Hall,” says general manager Boyd Bryan. “Set in the rear wall, a towering Palladian window, often-times flanked with oversized floral creations, makes for a breathtaking and dramatic backdrop to the wedding ceremony.” You can see The Corinthian’s glory on display in countless weddings we’ve featured over the years, including Allie and Kyle’s ultra-decadent bash, Asmita and Rishab’s vibrant Indian celebration, and Kailey and Michael’s classic affair.

One of Houston’s newest takes on historic ambiance aims to take brides and grooms not only to another era, but to a different place entirely. The Astorian, inspired by New York City’s Grand Central Station, with domed ceilings, handcrafted black-and-gold mosaics, soaring arched windows and a massive gilded clock, transports wedding couples and guests to the artistic edginess of Manhattan in the roaring 20’s.

Art is part of the venue’s origins, as it first served as an enormous paint factory when built in the late 40’s and then was home to famous Texas artist David Adickes’ sculptures of The Beatles and the U.S. presidents. It was named a city landmark in 2012 and three years later was transformed into one of the most distinctive venues in Houston by partners Romain Kapadia, Joe Pachioli and Juan Chao.

In the two years since the space’s restoration, the team at The Astorian has hosted off-the-charts celebrations for the likes of the Houston Texans’ football team and to-be-weds who relish high-glam revelry, along with gorgeous photo shoots, like this fabulous Weddings in Houston exclusive. “Couples love how the place has a festive feel to it,” Pachioli says. “It’s not a blank space. It has a vibe to celebrate.”

Wedding couples who prefer color “pops” and the taste of hops, will appreciate all that is and was at the Historic Magnolia Ballroom. Built in the late 1800’s, and the site of elaborate weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons and more for the past 30 years, the Historic Magnolia Ballroom once served as the executive suites for Houston’s Magnolia Brewery, where Downtown workers would gather for five-cent beers and sandwiches, and where the elite would enjoy exclusive beer tastings.

“There are so many wonderful venues opening up everywhere all the time, but you can’t give a place history,” venue manager Renee Pool says of the venue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The venue’s colorful cypress-and-leaded-glass windows, paired with its on-trend bright wallpaper, and vaulted mural ceilings, create a joyous yet elegant setting for the most timeless of nuptials.

The Lyceum of Galveston Island

Photo: Rising Tide New Media

Standing originally as one of Texas’ oldest Lutheran churches, The Lyceum of Galveston Island today captures the Old World charm and culture of its coastal surroundings.

The original floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows, which date back to the1850’s, leave guests and couples in awe, and create a colorful display of natural light throughout the space, which executive director Cynthia McEldowney says is a favorite element among wedding couples. “The Lyceum is adjacent to a present-day sanctuary, separated only by a beautifully landscaped courtyard featuring wrought-iron gates,” she adds.

Heather’s Glen

Photo: Jessica Pledger Photography

Victorian elegance and Southern hospitality blend together beautifully at Heather’s Glen in Conroe. The venue, originally built in 1900, was formerly known as the Wahrenberger mansion, and was the center of Conroe’s social scene at the time.

That influence hasn’t changed much in the last century. Since the venue’s complete restoration in the early 90’s, wedding couples like Kaylin and Michael have sought out Heather’s Glen for their storybook nuptials.

The Antebellum-style-home-turned-wedding-venue now includes a cathedral-ceiling chapel complete with giant windows overlooking manicured gardens featuring two picturesque waterfalls, as well as hundreds of magenta and blush azalea bushes sprinkled across the venue’s grounds, notes owner Heather George.

Plantation-style columns and wraparound porches, and the option to wed under a moonlit gazebo, lend perfectly to weddings with a Southern-fairytale feel. “Some of the most memorable weddings at Heather’s Glen have focused on historical themes,” says George. “A New Orleans-style wedding complete with a second-line dance comes to mind.”

Originally built as a house of worship in 1928, the venue’s soaring 35-foot domed ceiling and stunning arched windows bathe wedding guests in a warm golden glow in the multi-leveled Duomo. Couples can wed within the glorious cathedral or outdoors among the tranquil gardens and sculpted fountains. Wells notes, “All of our events are lovely. However, when couples provide different settings with loveseats and couches, it adds a special warm touch.”

Majestic Metro

Photo: Tara Star Photography

Want to see your name in lights on your wedding day, like Houston lovebirds Jennifer and Mitchell? Couples who book downtown’s Houston’s Majestic Metro will experience that special thrill during their night of glamour and grandeur at this restored movie palace.

“There’s eye candy everywhere in the building,” says managing partner Linda Warwick. “What you see is what you get here, and that’s huge for a lot of our couples.”

First constructed by legendary Houston architect William Ward Watkin in 1926, the stunning space was set to be torn down, but was saved and returned to its original glory in the 1990’s. Today, this remarkable site boasts one of the most advanced audiovisual systems in Houston, perfect for its all-inclusive, music-filled celebrations, all set within a vintage Art Nouveau interior. “Other venues stage spaces to look like this,” Warwick says. “Ours is the real deal.”

From its beginnings as an orphanage—one whose solid cypress beams protected its wards from the great storm of 1900 — to its brief stint as a private residence, to its status, today, as one of Galveston’s most beloved archives, The Bryan Museum stands out as a superb historic venue for a truly Texan wedding.

Depending on the season and weather, couples may opt to have their ceremony in the jasmine-covered gazebo on the museum’s grounds. Bryan Museum director of events Ann Urban notes that, due to Galveston’s fickle climate, most couples opt for an off-site ceremony, bringing their guests to The Bryan Museum afterwards, for a one-of-a-kind reception in the museum’s recently completed, and completely climate-controlled, conservatory. At just under 2,000 square feet, the Belgian-inspired structure features intricate ironwork and evocative emerald-color glass, along with a built-in green onyx bar. These features, combined with a dazzling floor that “really is like a mirror,” Urban says, make The Bryan Museum’s conservatory, itself, “a work of art.”

Commissioned by one of the first and most successful ranchers in the region and designed by a cowboy-turned-architect, Butler’s Courtyard allows guests to travel back to the times of dirt roads and horse-drawn carriages—but with modern conveniences aplenty.

The red-brick building in the heart of historic League City, now almost 110 years old, served as a center of commerce and trade along George Washington Butler’s sprawling property at the turn of the 20th century, and was home to a bank, grocery store, café and a spot for patrons to tie up their horses. Today, co-owners and best friends, Nancy Richards and Janice Gunnin-Wilson, have transformed the space into a vintage-inspired setting for rustic-elegant nuptials that blend historic surroundings with impeccable service: “The bride will have a team behind her at every point in the wedding,” says Gunnin-Wilson. “We treat each bride with white gloves and take care of her every need.”

The venue’s exposed-brick walls, weathered-wood beams, antique floor-to-ceiling mirrors and rows upon rows of sparkling chandeliers create what the owners describe as a feeling of “historic elegance,” ideal for intimate occasions, like the one imagined in this breathtaking shoot from florist Haute Flowers & Events, shot by Lindsay Elizabeth Photography. Those with a love for the outdoors can wed beneath the romantic archway in the courtyard, where hanging stained-glass artwork and a nearby barn-like structure make ideal backdrops for Texas-themed photo ops.

For at-a-glance details on size, capacity, disabled accessibility and much more, for any of the above venues, click here…and happy venue hunting, loves!

Yeah, Janice (the recent bride who wrote these words in praise of Haute Flowers & Events)—we know exactly what you mean. We’ve been lucky enough to be partnered up with this talented League City-based event design studio for a few years now, and we can confirm that this balance of innovation and good ol’ fashioned pretty is what owner Teresa Vencil is all about.

And here’s the part where we put our money where our mouths are. OK, actually we’re gonna put our photos where our typing is. Or something like that. Just bear with us, darlings, it’s Friday, we’re hard at work on a brand-new magazine for y’all, and we’re a little loopy. But most of all, we’re a whole lot in love with these inventive, elegant, innovative, pretty, totally individual Haute Flowers & Events creations:

The Floral Lanterns: These great lanterns, accented with flowering branches and bright, boisterous blooms, hung over the head table at Sadie & Aneel’s wedding reception. We love the mix of the angular lanterns with delicate, spherical votive holders.

The Coordinating Flower Crown & Bouquet: You don’t need to be an ultra-boho bride to rock a flower crown—not if the Haute Flowers crew has anything to say about it. They designed this lovely set with refinement in mind, echoing the bouquet’s pale greenery and shades of coral, pink and yellow, in a sweet crown, completed with a sheer, flowing veil. Bonus points for groom’s cool boutonniere!

The Succulent Jewelry: Vencil and her designers created these vintage-inspired pieces exclusively for us, for this recent styled shoot, so we’re, oh, just a little bit partial to them. Plus, they’re gorge. Plus, wearing plants on your body is so freakin’ chic.

The Branch Canopy: Also created just for our shoot, this canopy is a little rustic, a little untamed, a little outside-the-box…and completely charming. It’s the perfect complement to a colorful, organic-feeling table design that looks completely at home inside the brick walls of Butler’s Courtyard, where this fantasy weddingscape was shot.

Intrigued? Inspired? Snag yourself an appointment with Haute Flowers & Events, and turn that inspiration into real, live wedding design. And don’t forget to tell ’em “Hey girl” from their friends at Weddings in Houston!

Now that you and your honey have decided to partner up, it’s time to do the same with a Houston wedding photography and videography dream team! Cue Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography, the talented photo and video company founded by dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Elan and Kory Fontenot.

Elan and Kory, who specialize respectively in videography and photography, pride themselves in being able to capture both the sights and sounds of your wedding day without interfering with one another. We asked them to share with us some of their favorite moments captured on film. Keep reading to see their beautiful images, both moving and still, and discover their take on documenting your wedding day, each in their own words!

Relishing in the Romance — Nicholas and Nikoya’s Crystal Ballroom wedding was the epitome of love on display. Their elated expressions and bashful grins throughout the night touched the hearts of their family and closest friends.

Destination Sessions — We love to travel the world, and destination weddings are always extra special. The Golden Gate Bridge was a perfect backdrop for Anthone and Ashley. We can’t wait to capture their love in a California vineyard at their upcoming wedding.

Letting Loose — This is the moment when all the major events are over and the bride and groom can let their hair down and dance. The Bartons are both doctors and have stressful jobs, so it was awesome to see them let loose on the dance floor.